Labs can’t eat watermelons. Or are they?
Well, there is a lot of debate over this topic. Some say yes and some say no.
Watermelons are a popular fruit among humans. They are nutrient rich and relatively low cost, which is why many Labrador Retriever owners consider feeding them to their Labs. But what’s the truth? Can Labs eat watermelons?
The short answer is ‘Yes’, you can feed watermelons for your Labs. But there are lots of things you need to consider before feeding your Labrador Retriever this delicious fruit. In this blog post, we will answer every question regarding watermelon and Labs, so you know what works best for your furry friend.
Are watermelons safe for Labs?
Watermelon is a healthy fruit that Labs can eat. However, only the flesh of the watermelon is safe and nutritious. The seeds, rind and stem are poisonous to Labs.
If you are feeding for the first time, watch for any abnormal signs. Listen to your Labrador Retriever’s bowel sounds and check its stools for diarrhea or constipation. If you observe any abnormal symptoms, stop feeding it immediately and consult your veterinarian.
Benefits of watermelons in Labs
Here are the benefits of watermelon:
Moisture
Watermelon is a great way to keep your Labrador Retriever hydrated. It’s a fruit that’s high in water content, which means it can help keep your Labrador Retriever hydrated during the summer months when they’re more likely to get hot and need extra moisture in their diet.
Vitamins A, B Complex, C, and Lycopene
Watermelons are great sources of vitamins A, B complex, C, and lycopene. These vitamins help your Labrador Retriever stay healthy by helping them fight off infections or diseases that might be brought on by too much sun exposure or other factors. They also help with digestion and support the immune system so that it can do its job properly when needed most.
Potassium
Potassium is important for muscle function—but especially for Labs because they work harder physically than humans do (especially if they’re running around). Potassium helps regulate blood pressure too.
Do all Labs like watermelons?
Unfortunately, no, not all Labs like watermelons. Your Labs may not like watermelons because they have food preferences or because they are allergic to watermelon.
Labs have food preferences, just like humans do. Some Labs love fruits, while others prefer meat and veggies (and some eat nothing at all). If your Labrador Retriever doesn’t seem interested in the watermelon, try offering him something else that is more appealing to his taste buds.
If your Labrador Retriever has allergies, it may not be safe for him to eat watermelon. Some Labs can be allergic to watermelons, so you should consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your pet’s diet.
It’s okay if you don’t want to force your Labrador Retriever into eating something that he doesn’t really enjoy. Instead of forcing the issue, you can give him other fruits that are friendly for Labs, such as bananas or apples.
Can my Labs have watermelons every day?
There’s no rule on how often Labs can eat watermelon.
Yes, you can feed Labs the recommended amount of watermelon every day if they like it.
But we recommend you to vary the treats because your Labs can get bored.
Also, different treats contain different nutrients and benefits.
So, it’s good to give them something other than watermelons too.
Can Labrador Retriever puppies eat watermelons?
Yes, Labrador Retriever puppies can eat watermelons, but you should wait until they’re at least two months old.
Puppies should be on a specialized puppy diet during the first two months. Then start with just a small bite of watermelon once or twice a week and build up to more as your puppy grows. Be careful—puppies have a delicate digestive system, and it’s important to get their food from the vet before introducing any new food to their diet.
How much watermelon can Labs eat?
Watermelon is a great snack for your Labrador Retriever, but how much watermelon can Labs eat?
A lot of factors come into play when determining the right serving size for your pup. The age, size and activity level of the Labrador Retriever are all important. Your vet will help you determine what’s best for your pooch.
A general rule of thumb is: Smaller pup breed (<20 lbs) 1/2 cup diced watermelon flesh, Large pup breed (>20 lbs) 1 cup diced watermelon flesh.
Of course, portion control is important for your Labrador Retriever’s diet and treats. Start small and if there are no negative reactions after a few minutes, you can offer more.
Always follow the rule: your Labs need a completely balanced diet. All treats combined should not be over 10% of the total Labrador Retriever diet.
How to serve watermelons to your Labs?
We asked our vet, and they said that they love watermelon. But they also warned us that Labs are prone to choking on large pieces. So we were told to never feed our Labs watermelon whole.
If you want to serve your Labrador Retriever watermelon, here are some ideas:
1. Cut the watermelon into chunks and freeze them. This way, your Labrador Retriever will have a cool treat on a hot day, and you won’t have to worry about them choking on it.
2. Puree the flesh of the watermelon until it’s smooth (minus seeds and rind), then serve it in ice cream cones for an extra special treat.
3. Dehydrate the fruit (minus seeds and rind) for a chewy treat that lasts for days.
When are watermelons bad for Labs?
There are also some other reasons watermelons are bad for Labs:
– Underlying health issues: If your Labrador Retriever has an allergy or diabetes (or any other underlying health issue), eating watermelon can make those problems worse.
– Overindulgence: Just like humans, Labs should eat in moderation! If they eat too much of this fruit at once, they could end up getting sick from the sugar overload.
– Seeds: Even though these are small parts of the fruit with little nutritional value on their own, they’re still dangerous for Labs because they can get stuck in the throat. Eating too many seeds can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pet, so keep an eye out for those little green things when you’re cutting up your melon.
– Rinds & Skin: The rinds of watermelons are harmful to Labs as well, so it’s best not to let your pup eat them. The skin of the melon is also dangerous because it’s been shown to cause irritation and itching for some Labs.
What happens when your Labs eat too much watermelon?
Labs can get sick from eating too much watermelon. We’ve put together a list of symptoms to help you identify and treat them, so you can keep your pooch safe.
Diarrhea: If your Labrador Retriever is suffering from diarrhea after eating watermelon, it’s important to monitor him and make sure he’s getting plenty of fluids. You should also watch for signs of dehydration.
Constipation: If your Labrador Retriever has had an upset stomach after eating watermelon, you’ll want to make sure that they are getting enough fiber in their diet. Talk to your vet about adding some additional fiber into their food.
Abdominal pain: Labs who have eaten too much watermelon may experience abdominal pain and nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This can be very painful for them, so make sure they get lots of rest and have easy access to water when they’re feeling under the weather!
Choking hazard: Watermelons can be dangerous for Labs because they contain seeds that can be swallowed whole and cause choking—so monitor your pup while he’s eating this tasty treat.
Other human foods Labrador Retrievers can eat
What other human foods can Labs eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Lab can eat.
So, can Labs eat watermelons?
Yes, Labs can eat watermelons. Watermelons are rich in water, vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent treat for Labs.
However, remove seeds and rinds before feeding your Labrador Retriever a watermelon. Watermelons also contain oxalates, which can be harmful to Labs if eaten in large amounts.
It’s also important not to overfeed your Labrador Retriever with watermelons because they contain high levels of sugar, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Follow the 90/10 rule when feeding your Labrador Retriever watermelons: make 90 percent of their diet up for regular food and 10 percent of treats like these delicious fruits.